12/04/2006 @ 12:00PM

Nine Businesses You Can Start For Under $5,000

Sales For Direct-Retail Companies

Direct selling is serious business ($30 billion in the U.S.), and the country’s 14 million independent agents can make good money. Big names that will pay you to go door-to-door (but not for your gas) include health care companies like Mary Kay, Avon and Amway; house-wares companies like Home Interiors & Gifts and Carico; and financial services companies like Primerica Financial Services. A Primerica representative needs $199 to get started, while it only costs $10 to sign up as an Avon representative, though you’ll have to pay for catalogs and product samples. At Mary Kay, a starter kit costs about $100, plus shipping and tax, and includes product samples, brochures, catalog and trays and mirrors. Consultants bag 50% of every sale.